Naproxen and naproxen sodium are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They reduce prostaglandin production and can relieve pain, fever, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness. This page explains the terminology and the limits of general drug information; it does not provide a personal dose.
Naproxen versus naproxen sodium
Naproxen sodium is a salt form of naproxen. Product labels may use different strengths and formulations, so tablet counts and milligram numbers should not be converted casually. OTC naproxen sodium in the United States commonly appears as a 220 mg tablet. Prescription products include other strengths and immediate-, delayed-, or extended-release forms with different directions.
Use the active ingredient, strength per unit, release type, and current label together. Do not infer a prescription schedule from an OTC package, copy another patient’s directions, or split, crush, or chew a formulation unless the exact labeling permits it.
What it can treat
According to MedlinePlus and prescription labeling, naproxen products are used for several painful and inflammatory conditions. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, tendinitis, gout attacks, menstrual pain, and other pain. Nonprescription naproxen is labeled for temporary fever reduction and minor pain such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, cold-related aches, toothache, and backache.
Relief is not diagnosis. A hot swollen joint may be gout or infection; dental swelling may need treatment of an abscess; new neurological weakness with back pain may require emergency evaluation. Recurrent or progressive symptoms should be investigated rather than repeatedly suppressed.
Why the major warnings matter
- Heart and stroke: non-aspirin NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events. Risk can occur early and may rise with longer exposure. Naproxen is contraindicated around coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
- Stomach and intestinal injury: ulcers, bleeding, and perforation can occur with or without warning. Older age, prior ulcer or bleed, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, steroids, SSRIs/SNRIs, smoking, alcohol, and longer exposure can add risk.
- Kidneys, blood pressure, and fluid: NSAIDs can reduce kidney blood flow, raise blood pressure, and contribute to edema. Dehydration, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs are important context.
- Allergy and skin: facial or throat swelling, wheezing, breathing trouble, or blistering/peeling rash requires urgent action.
- Pregnancy: FDA advises avoiding NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional, with an additional fetal heart concern at about 30 weeks and later.
Three rules that prevent common errors
- Read every active-ingredient line. Do not take naproxen with ibuprofen or another NSAID unless a clinician directs it.
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with the treatment goal, following the exact label or prescription.
- Know the stop rules before the first dose: emergency symptoms, worsening illness, reduced urine, persistent stomach symptoms, or pain that exceeds the self-care window.